First Post! Who has a "Press Van" camera? HELP!

[Tony Jonaitis]

Hey, ya'll...my first post, and I'm not quite sure if I am posting in the correct forum. Anyway, I recently bought a "Press Van" camera...a medium format press camera from Japan. Rangefinder, collapsible lens (a la Plaubel Makina on metal struts). Has anyone used one of these, and can you offer any tips or suggestions. A manual would be great, too...but even Butkus doesn't have one! Anyway, thanks...
Tony

 

[Jeff1548 48]

Hello and welcome............

 

[dxqcanada2]

Welcome to the Forum ...
You mean one of these Press Van - Camera-wiki.org - The free camera encyclopedia

 

[Tony Jonaitis]

Yes...that is the camera! I just bought one from a Japanese dealer (I can't afford a Plaubel Makina), and, although I will be able to figure it out (probably), there are often quirks you should know about with vintage cameras.

 

[webestang6412 1]

A bit more info..... PRESS VAN-120 - Harrisson Photographica

 

[Tony Jonaitis]

Yeah...I combed the internet pretty thoroughly, and I did see that particular page. There are really on 3 or 4 sites that mention it...and one nice video made by the guy I bought it from. I really like having a good look/read of the appropriate manual, but I'm not having any luck. Video can be seen here…

 

[Derrel]

that looks like a really wonderful camera… I like the 6 x 6 or 6 x 4.5 cm options. My experience has been mixed using a Yashica 635 6 x 6 twin lens reflex with its 35mm adapters for film use with the smaller 35mm format. I really do like the looks of this press van camera!

currently my only folding camera is a 35 mm Kodak Retina, and from time to time I have wanted to have a 120 folding camera

 

[Tony Jonaitis]

Well, I hope it is a wonderful camera! I've never ordered anything from Japan before, and am pretty excited. If you want a 120 folder, be sure and check out the offerings at Certo6.com. An Agfa with a new bellows, adjusted shutter, and a Solinar lens, is nothing to sneeze at....